Mark Ricketson: “Show business is a tricky beast to say the least. The highs are high and the lows are extremely low, but that’s what I love about it”

22 jun, 2014

Well, my name is Mark Ricketson and I hail from little old Cranston Rhode Island. I grew up in an environment enriched with music and sports, which started at an early age.

I ended up becoming an all-state saxophonist going into college. During high school I was involved in jazz band, concert band and yes… marching band as well, and no I don’t really have a “one time at band camp story to share.” If that wasn’t enough, I played hockey and worked at a horse farm for seven years before moving to New York.

Modeling: how did all begin

It still feels strange to call myself a model, but the decision was kind of made for me. People suggested looking into modeling, so my sister took it upon herself to submit a photo of me to Cosmopolitan’s Bachelor Blowout, which won me the title of Rhode Island’s most eligible bachelor at 18.

This led me to meet some people who had me sneak into Abercrombie & Fitch’s 5th Ave store grand opening, where I met a huge talent agent by the name of Ed Limato –friends with the one and only Bruce Weber. From there I went on the shoot VMan in Florida before ultimately shooting A&F.

I was SO nervous! It was such a culture shock to go from being on a farm in Rhode Island to a beach in Florida in a speedo. It was an amazing experience to have the chance to work with and learn from Bruce Weber.

One of the greatest things about modeling is the variety of people you get the opportunity to meet. I believe this has shaped me into who I am today.

Working with photographers: flirting with life

I like to have fun with whomever I’m around. I try to bring the fun with me wherever I go; spend sometime with me and I’ll have you laughing in no time.

Some people call it flirting – well I flirt with life then! I’m all about making people feel comfortable around me. That way we can hopefully capture something special that only happened because of the bond we’ve created. I really don’t have a routine per say, it’s more of an organized chaos kind of thing.

At first I wasn’t comfortable with posing nude in front of people, but over the years it’s become easier. It’s part of the business; there really isn’t any way around that. Plus, being surrounded by people you trust makes it much easier.

Frankly, this whole experience has been a funny story. If you told me ten years ago I’d be modeling and the person I am now, I would never have believed you.

The catwalks´experiences

Well, when it comes to catwalks I don’t know much about it aside from putting one foot in front of the other and hoping to God I don’t trip. I tend to fall on the commercial side of modeling.

Oh women totally rule the roost! Look, there are some beautiful, stunning, and unique women out there. Plus who doesn’t like an attractive woman? That said, I think there is a major change happening for men. The industry is slowly moving away from little boys and starting to use real men.

My agent, Jason Kanner at Soul Artist Management, has been a major force in this shift. He has single handedly put real men back in the map. I’m very humbled to have been able to work with him and his handpicked team.

I look up to model David Gandy, I really feel like he’s a “man’s man”. He maintains his masculinity while incorporating so much beauty –I aspire to have a similar career. He should be the inspiration to every guy out there, classic and timeless.

Mark´s style: a fashionista?

I’m as casual as it gets. Nothing’s more comfortable than a t-shirt and jeans. I probably can thank my years working on a farm for that, but I truly feel the most confident in basics. Don’t get me wrong though, I love throwing on a nice fitted suit and heading out for a night on the town

Just imagine u afamous model surrounded by a huge crowd!

That just made me smile… and that’s probably just what I’d do.

On show business

Show business is a tricky beast to say the least. The highs are high and the lows are extremely low, but that’s what I love about it. You get what you put into it. I’m in business for myself, and I have wonderful people who help guide me. It’s all about taking the good with the bad

Dating X Loving

I’m defiantly a relationship guy. Nothing’s more attractive than a confident woman

Sports

I grew up playing hockey and to this day there isn’t a sport like it. Go Bruins!

If you could have a super power what would it be? Who is your fav super hero?

I wish I were invincible. Wolverine is my hero, he’s a badass with a heart

Earliest childhood memory

Going to Disney World with my family and I was always running off so my dad had to put me on a leash. They told me I had to keep track of my father (which I took very seriously) only to find out later in life that was a lie!

Nickname in school

Tubby. I liked to think of it as “athletically soft.”

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Ideally I would like to be acting. But I’m fortunate to be in an industry that anything can happen so as long as you keep your eyes open, opportunity is always knocking.

Your fav book so far and why ?

“The Slight Edge” by Jeff Olson

I’ll share a few quotes to help you understand why.

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”- Winston Churchill

“Success is not a random accident.”

“The most powerful force for change is time.”

The dumbest think you’ve ever heard a model say

What?! Models aren’t dumb, they’re people too

Attracting someone’s attention

I try to make everyone I come in contact with smile. Life is tough as it is so we all need a good laugh every now and again.

Having fun, enjoying life

Like I said, I try to bring the fun wherever I go and share it with the people I love. I take watching paint dry to a whole new level! I’ll say this time and time again; you have to let it go. I forgive, but I don’t forget. We are all human; we make mistakes all the time. Go with the flow and don’t stress about things out of your control.

Fav underwear for your daily activities and for those coooool sexy moments:)

I think nothing is sexier than humor so you could catch me wearing superman or spider man undies just for a laugh

Favorite singer and which music you hear in your IPOD?

No one can touch the King of Pop. My musical tastes are as eclectic as I am. I love Little Dragon, Disclosure, Sam Smith, Flume, Newton Faulkner, to name a few. If you’re good at what you do I want to hear it.

Food

Anything chicken

-Guilty pleasure

Chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate

If you weren’t a model you’d be…

I feel like I belong on a farm. Nothing is more amazing than watching horses out to pasture, such a beautiful animal

An unforgettable moment

Being able to shoot with Ralph Lauren is a dream let alone shooting it in the state I grew up in!

Motto

Treat people as you would like to be treated.

Thanks so much for sharing your story with us. Before you leave, tell us about your actual and upcoming projects

No no… Thank you! Well I’m off to shoot CHAPS by Ralph Lauren and then who knows!Keep your eyes peeled; you may never know where I might pop up again!